Aging Into Disability: A Conceptual Challenge for Gerontology

Abstract One of the most fraught subjects facing a fast growing aging population is the subject of aging into disability. This paper examines the processes of aging into disability as a distinct challenge for not only older persons, but also for the field of gerontology, and public policy-makers. Disability in youth and in middle age has largely defined the disability rights agenda, and elders aging into disability have not been the subject of much attention from scholars in the field of disability. Surprisingly, however, scholars and policy-makers in gerontology have also by and large avoided the subject of older persons aging into disability—a complex process that involves impairment, environmental disablement, and changes in social relationships. This process accelerates with advancing age, and disproportionately affects women. Moreover, when older adults develop mobility limitations, experience falls, become hard of hearing, or experience other such impairments of age related disability, they do not think of themselves as aging into disability, or being disabled. This lack of disability identity may protect them from stigma and from low self-esteem. At the same time, it stands in the way of seeking accommodations and from developing a bond with other older adults who are aging into disability. This paper explores the dynamics of disability avoidance as an ideal that can harm older adults and their caregivers. It aims to bring disability more fully into the normal life-course, and to suggest lines of inquiry for gerontological research, to broaden the field, and to make service communities more inclusive .

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Using photovoice with older adults: some methodological strengths and issues

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x11000377 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 451-470 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

SHEILA NOVEK ◽

TONI MORRIS-OSWALD ◽

VERENA MENEC

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Participatory Research ◽

Older Persons ◽

Research Study ◽

Research Process ◽

Community Characteristics ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Community Based ◽

Gerontological Research ◽

Strategies For Change

ABSTRACTPhotovoice is a qualitative research technique in which participants record and reflect on their community through photography. The technique is gaining popularity as a participatory research methodology. Few studies, however, have described the use of photovoice with older adults. This paper examines the application of photovoice in a qualitative, participatory research study examining age-friendly community characteristics in four communities in Manitoba, Canada. Thirty older adults were provided with cameras and took photographs to illustrate how age-friendly their communities are and participated in group discussions to identify priorities in becoming more age-friendly. The research process and results were analysed in order to assess the application of the methodology with older adults. Photovoice is an effective tool for eliciting older persons’ perceptions of their communities, giving voice to the unique concerns of older adults, and identifying strategies for change. If adapted to accommodate the needs of seniors, this methodology provides an innovative approach to community-based gerontological research. On the other hand, there are a number of challenges to be overcome if photovoice is to be a truly effective research instrument, including recruitment, photography training, retrieving consent forms, and issues of time and distance.

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Loneliness of Older Adults: Social Network and the Living Environment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030406 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 406 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Astrid Kemperman ◽

Pauline van den Berg ◽

Minou Weijs-Perrée ◽

Kevin Uijtdewillegen

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Life Cycle Stage ◽

Living Environment ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

Perceived Safety ◽

Age Related ◽

Comprehensive Framework

The social participation and integration of older adults are important aspects of healthy aging. However, in general, older adults have smaller social networks than their younger counterparts due to changes in their life cycle stage, such as retirement or age-related losses, along with a declining health and increasing mobility limitations. Consequently, with increasing age, an increasing proportion of older people experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Previous studies that have analyzed the relationships between loneliness, social networks, and the living environment have often been based on bivariate relationships or included only a limited number of variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze multiple relationships in a more comprehensive framework. Data were collected using a survey among 182 adults aged 65 years and over in the Netherlands. A Bayesian belief network (BBN) modeling approach was used that derives all direct and indirect relationships between the variables. The results showed that feelings of loneliness are directly related to satisfaction with one’s social network and neighborhood attachment and are indirectly related to perceived safety and satisfaction with local amenities and services. This knowledge is relevant to urban planners and policy makers who focus on creating livable and healthy social neighborhoods for the aging population.

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Sociology of Disability in India: A Victim of Disciplinary Apathy

Social Change ◽

10.1177/0049085717712816 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 373-386

Author(s):

Vikash Kumar ◽

Ketaki Dwivedi

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

Science Studies ◽

Disability Rights ◽

Disabled People ◽

Social Scientists ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Critical Part ◽

The Subject ◽

Rights Issue ◽

First World

The recognition of disability as a human rights and developmental issue encouraged social scientists to study the phenomenon of disability more scientifically and objectively. Concerns raised by both disabled and non-disabled academicians and disability rights activists in the First World lead to a greater response from academia. The issue of disability thus, over the years, became a critical part of the agenda for public policy and social science studies. A section of western sociologists understood that, by and large, the onus of disability did not lie with affected individuals but rather on society which was responsible for their activity and for imposing restrictions. Unlike western academia, however, the issue of disability has not found space in India. Its absence from the subject matter of Indian sociology has created a gap in the discipline’s understanding, creating the risk to exercise sympathy and charity rather than a sociological sensibility which sees disability as a human rights issue to be dealt with at the level of rehabilitation and social work. The present article seeks to locate disability as an indispensible part of the curricular of the Indian sociology discipline; rejecting the ‘charity’ outlook favoured by sections of academia, policy makers, bureaucracy, activists and the general populace towards disabled people.

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Progressive Resistance Training Improves Torque Capacity and Strength in Mobility-Limited Older Adults

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/gly199 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (8) ◽

pp. 1316-1321 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Davis A Englund ◽

Lori Lyn Price ◽

Gregory J Grosicki ◽

Megumi Iwai ◽

Makoto Kashiwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Fatigue ◽

Progressive Resistance Training ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

Age Related ◽

Home Based ◽

Torque Capacity ◽

Progressive Resistance

Abstract Background Progressive resistance training (PRT) is consistently shown to improve muscle strength in older adults. The efficacy of PRT to improve muscle fatigue in older adults with demonstrated mobility limitations remains unclear. Methods Mobility-limited (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] ≤ 9) older adults (age 70–92 years) were recruited for this study and randomized to either PRT or home-based flexibility (FLEX) 3 d/wk for 12 weeks. Muscle fatigue and strength outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was torque capacity, a composite measure of strength and fatigue, defined as the sum of peak torques from an isokinetic fatigue test. Results Seventy participants were randomized (mean [SD] age 78.9 [5.4] years; 60% female; mean [SD] SPPB 7.5 [1.6]). At follow-up, the PRT group improved significantly in torque capacity, mean between-group difference (95% confidence interval) 466.19 (138.4, 793.97) Nm (p = .006), and maximal strength 127.3 (60.96, 193.61) Nm (p = .0003), when compared with FLEX group. Neither group demonstrated significant changes in muscle fatigue or torque variability. Conclusion Twelve weeks of PRT improved torque capacity, as well as strength in mobility-limited older adults. These results demonstrate PRT improves multiple age-related muscular impairments.

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An Exergame Solution for Personalized Multicomponent Training in Older Adults

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11177986 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (17) ◽

pp. 7986

Author(s):

Vânia Guimarães ◽

Elsa Oliveira ◽

Alberto Carvalho ◽

Nuno Cardoso ◽

Johannes Emerich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Game Design ◽

Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽

Wearable Sensors ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

User Characteristics ◽

Training Requirements ◽

Age Related ◽

Automatic Adaptation

In addition to contributing to increased training motivation, exergames are a promising approach to counteract age-related impairments. Mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence are very common in older adults. To optimally address these conditions, exergames should include interventions for strength, balance, cognition, and pelvic floor muscle training. In this study, we develop a personalized multicomponent exergame solution for the geriatric rehabilitation of age-related impairments. The exergame can provide interventions for balance, strength, cognition, and urinary incontinence in one single session, accommodating the needs of older adults with multiple disabilities. For its development, we involved a multidisciplinary team that helped us to specify the structure and contents of the exergame considering training requirements, game design principles, and end-user characteristics. In addition to allowing the customization of the training components, the exergame includes automatic adaptation of difficulty/load, in line with player progress over time. The game mechanics ensures the fulfilment of training needs as defined by the therapist. The exergame is cross-platform compatible (web-based) and includes novel means of interaction with wearable sensors.

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Geropsychology in Spain

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000068 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 171-179 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marta Santacreu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older Persons ◽

Social Situation ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Social Needs ◽

Main Research ◽

Research Areas ◽

Demographic Indicators ◽

The Subject ◽

Different Characteristics

Spain, like other developed countries, has witnessed exponential growth in the number of older persons, and it has made great efforts to address this new social situation, gradually developing an extensive network for supporting not only dependent persons, but also healthy retired people with new demands. In order to better understand the situation with respect to aging, this chapter provides some demographic indicators illustrating the current structure of Spain’s aging population. The second and third sections outline the main research areas in Spain and the resources available for older adults. With regard to research on aging, there has been a considerable increase in the number of both research projects and publications in the Spanish context, particularly from the 1980s to the present. Most of the studies are aimed at assessing the different characteristics and conditions of senior citizens. This is a good first step with a view toward identifying their demands, though more research is necessary for making crucial changes. On the subject of resources and services, Spain has developed a wide variety of resources designed to meet the needs of both independent and dependent older adults. Finally, it should always be borne in mind that social needs change over time, so that they must be continuously studied and reappraised – and our respective responses updated – in order to maintain standards of excellence.

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Age-Related Eye Disease and Mobility Limitations in Older Adults

Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science ◽

10.1167/iovs.11-7564 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 52 (10) ◽

pp. 7168 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Mihaela L. Popescu ◽

Hélène Boisjoly ◽

Heidi Schmaltz ◽

Marie-Jeanne Kergoat ◽

Jacqueline Rousseau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Eye Disease ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

Age Related

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Stress and consumer behavior

Journal of Marketing Practice Applied Marketing Science ◽

10.1108/eum0000000004572 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 5 (6/7/8) ◽

pp. 233-247 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Anil Mathur ◽

George P. Moschis ◽

Euehun Lee

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Public Policy ◽

Consumer Behavior ◽

Old Age ◽

Later Life ◽

National Study ◽

Behavioral Patterns ◽

Social Scientists ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Age Related

Social scientists, public policy makers, consumer researchers, and marketers have traditionally focused on age‐related differences to understand the behavior of older adults. This research focuses on the processes through which adults learn behavioral patterns and norms that characterize behavior in later life. The socialization framework is first presented as the process through which adults learn roles and norms for old age, and data from a national study are presented to test the hypotheses derived from this model. The results suggest that certain antecedents and processes are important in socializing adults to old age.

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Personal and Environmental Challenges of Aging in Place with Long-Term Mobility Disabilities

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3419 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 956-956

Author(s):

Widya Ramadhani ◽

Wendy Rogers

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Daily Living ◽

Aging In Place ◽

Interview Data ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

Environmental Barriers ◽

Age Related ◽

At Home

Abstract Maintaining independence while aging in place at home requires support, especially for older adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities. As age-related changes progress, individuals with long-term mobility disabilities experience more challenges engaging with daily living activities (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). To understand the activity challenges of these older adults, we analyzed the interview data from the Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) study, a comprehensive user needs assessment of 60 older adults who have had mobility disabilities for at least ten years (Koon et al. 2019). We selected interview data that focused on the conduct of ten activities at home: bathing, dressing, moving around, toileting, transferring, doing hobbies, housekeeping, home maintenance, managing diet and nutrition, and caring for others. This archival study used the coding schemes from the ACCESS study that were developed using both conceptual- and data-driven approaches (Koon et al., 2019). The ecological theory of adaptation and aging (Nahemow and Lawton, 1973) was the underlying framework to identify the challenges related to older adults' functional capacity (personal) and physical environmental barriers (environmental). We identified five main challenges: physical strength, general health limitations, mobility limitations, physical access, and transferring. Older adults' responses to overcoming the challenges involved personal, environmental, and person-environment interaction strategies. This study provides insights into the relationship between the source of environmental barriers and personal coping strategies to guide the design of appropriate aging in place supports for older adults with mobility disabilities.

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Exploring the Perspectives of Older People on the Concept of Home

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2019/2679680 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Deborah Hatcher ◽

Esther Chang ◽

Virginia Schmied ◽

Sandra Garrido

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Older Persons ◽

Active Role ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Age Related ◽

Semistructured Interviews ◽

Self Worth ◽

At Home

Objectives. Continuing to live at home is arguably one of the most important challenges older persons face as they age. The aim of this study was to clarify how older adults conceptualise home through age-related lifestyle changes. Methods. Principles from grounded theory were used to examine the perspectives of 21 older adults obtained from three focus group discussions and 10 in-depth semistructured interviews. Results. Four major categories were developed: “anchoring self,” “enabling freedom,” “being comfortable,” and “staying in touch.” Discussion. For the participants in this study remaining at home enabled a sense of independence and freedom, self-worth and identity, comfort, and an ongoing active role in the community. However, some aspects of home could be renegotiated despite changes to living location, with new social connections able to be forged and personal comforts being transferrable. This holds important implications for supporting older persons to both sustain living at home and to adjust to changing circumstances, suggesting the importance of drawing on the experiences of older persons themselves in developing strategies to promote successful aging.

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